UCA Celebrates 25th Annual Community Development Institute

Community leaders from across Arkansas and surrounding states will gather at the University of Central Arkansas on August 1-5 to participate in the annual Community Development Institute.

This year’s CDI is filled with special events to commemorate the 25th annual institute and promises to be a rewarding experience for participants.

“We worked hard this year to make the 25th annual CDI an event that everyone will remember,” said Amy Whitehead, CDI Assistant Director. “We added numerous courses to our curriculum on topics ranging from leadership development to working with non-profits. Additionally, participants will get an opportunity to learn outside the classroom and be involved in unique hands-on learning activities such as our new Poverty Simulation, which promises to be an eye opening experience for those participating.”

The most notable addition to this year’s CDI is the Celebration Luncheon, which takes place on Wednesday, August 3 at 11 a.m. in the UCA Student Center Ballroom. The purpose of this luncheon is to reflect upon CDI’s history at UCA and look toward the future of the institute. Dr. Vaughn Grisham, keynote speaker for the luncheon, will speak on the importance of leadership in community development.

The Community Development Institute-Central at UCA was established in 1987 and trains community and economic development professionals in Arkansas and surrounding states. The complete CDI experience is a three year training program, with one week of training per year. Participants move through the program curriculum in cohorts, and are exposed to a comprehensive, applied approach to the field of community and economic development.

For more information about CDI or to register for the 2011 session, visit uca.edu/cdi, or contact Amy Whitehead at (501) 852-2930 or cdi@uca.edu.